Fishing in Asheville and Western North Carolina

Whether its dropping the perfect dry fly into a pristine mountain trout stream, trolling a deep reservoir for striped or largemouth bass or motoring your Jon boat to your favorite crappie hole, the lakes and rivers of Western North Carolina have a fish for every angler. The mountains of Western NC are fortunate enough to host nearly all of the 4000+ miles of trout waters in North Carolina. The Asheville area is also home to several cold mountain lakes and flat rocky rivers containing arguably the best smallmouth bass fishing anywhere in the country.

The Asheville area also has several highly accessable rivers and smaller lakes with public fishing docks. These easy to reach locations offer anglers wonderful opportunites to pass their passion for fishing on to their children and loved ones. To get the flavor of fishing in Asheville and Western North Carolina grab your pole and tackle box and just get out there. You’re sure to have a wonderful memorable experience, and who knows, you might just catch a fish.

Whether you are trying to catch a trophy trout, feisty smallmouth bass, or even the elusive muskie, the Fishing Rivers of Western North Carolina have the fishing experience you are looking for. The diversity of rivers and terrain allow a wide range of fishing techniques in including fly fishing in both wade and float forms, fishing with spinning tackle for bass and muskie from a boat, and the relaxing experience of pursuing these and other species from the standing or sitting on the bank of the river. The major rivers we have chosen to cover are the Davidson, French Broad, Green, Nantahala, Nolichucky, North Mills, Pigeon, South Holston, Tuckasegee, and Watauga Rivers.Find a River to Fish in Western NC

Because of the mountainous terrain of Western NC, most of the lakes at higher elevations are deep and cold. These lakes produce some impressive smallmouth bass specimens, and some even contain walleye. There are also several lakes a short drive east that are shallower and offer a wider range of fish species, including largemouth bass. The Fishing Lakes we have coverer are Lake Adger, Lake Chatuge, Lake Hickory, Lake Fontana, Lake James, Lake Lure, Lake Santeetlah, Lake Summit, and several smaller lakes near Asheville, NC.Explore the Major Fishing Lakes near Asheville

Western North Carolina is home to a wide range of Fish Species. Some of these are native to the area, while others have been introduced over the decades. Some species such as panfish are easy to catch and will eat almost anything, while others, such as the muskie, are extremely difficulty to find and catch. The mountains of WNC, at one point or another, have produced the state records in several species including all three species of trout and smallmouth bass. The most popular species covered on this site are the Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Muskie, Catfish, Crappie, and several species of Panfish.Learn about the Popular Fish Species of WNC

Safety is important in all outdoor activities and fishing is no different. The mountains of Western North Carolina are home to several dangerous plants, poisonous snakes, and other dangerous animals. Fishermen also have to be careful regarding bad weather because winter storms and flash flooding are common in the area. It is also crucial to practice responsible boating practices and to be up to date on current NC boating laws and regulations.Learn about Fishing and Boating Safety

Asheville Drifterswww.ashevilledrifters.com
Wade and float fishing for smallmouth bass and trout on a wide range of rivers in the Asheville area.
828-215-7379

Brookside Guideswww.brooksideguides.com
Fly fishing lessons and guide service in Western North Carolina.
828-215-4234

Curtis Wright Outfitterswww.curtiswrightoutfitters.com
Specializing in the remote wild trout waters of Western NC and Eastern TN. Float trips also available. Fly fishing classes offered from all three locations.